Have you ever spotted a mischievous garden gnome – a statue of a bearded man with a pointed hat – lurking among your flowers? Surprisingly, before these whimsical figures became commonplace, they were preceded by an even more peculiar sight: real people paid to dress up and act as hermits in wealthy individuals’ gardens.
In the 18th century, primarily in England, Scotland, and Ireland, men were actually hired to embody the image of ancient druids. Growing their hair long and forgoing baths for years on end, these living sculptures resided in caves or shacks constructed within their patrons’ gardens.
Gordon Campbell, the Garden Hermit Expert
In 2014, Gordon Campbell, a Professor of Renaissance Studies at the University of Leicester, published his book, “The Hermit in the Garden: From Imperial Rome to Ornamental Gnome,” through Oxford University Press. This groundbreaking work delves into the previously unexplored history of England’s “ornamental hermits,” marking the first comprehensive study of this intriguing phenomenon.
In a video discussing the book, Campbell explained that hermits sometimes worked as agricultural laborers and were difficult to recruit. (After all, who would want to portray a druid as a career, even if they were being paid?)
Campbell added that the hermits often wore pointed hats, similar to those worn by children being disciplined for poor behavior at the time.
When he learned about the garden hermit trend, Campbell, understandably, found himself intrigued. He had to know more, and the more he learned, the even more it became clear that he had to write a book sharing his findings with the world.
The Enduring Allure of the Hermitage
Imagine strolling through a picturesque garden and stumbling upon a charming, one-person retreat. Believe it or not, this wasn’t always a whimsical addition, but a centuries-old tradition dating back to Roman emperors. The practice of having single-person structures on one’s property for contemplation and reflection extends far beyond the whimsical garden hermits of 18th century England.
Even Emperor Hadrian, known for his love of architecture and philosophy, had a small lake on his villa at Tivoli featuring a structure large enough for one person – a hermitage. Centuries later, when the ruins of this structure were discovered in the 16th century, Pope Pius IV was inspired to build one for himself at the Casina Pio IV.
Similarly, individuals throughout history followed suit, constructing single-person retreats on their properties for spiritual reflection. In 1727, William Stukeley, a physician and antiquarian, built England’s first garden hermitage at his home in Grantham. In a letter to another physician, he described the structure as mimicking a druidic grove, even hiding “a cell or grotto” within its walls. Interestingly, though, Stukeley’s hermitage initially remained uninhabited.
However, this soon changed. People began taking the concept a step further, adding a living, breathing hermit to their garden structures. As British poet Edith Sitwell wrote in her 1933 book “English Eccentrics,” nothing could “give such delight to the eye” as an elderly person with a long beard and rough robe “doddering about amongst the discomforts and pleasures of nature.”
Harsh Rules for Hermits
Imagine being paid to live rent-free in a picturesque garden – but with a twist! In 18th century England, some wealthy landowners offered a peculiar job opportunity: becoming a live-in garden hermit. As the trend of these live-in hermits caught on, advertisements started appearing, and if you think today’s job ads seem strict, you should see the requirements put in place for these unique positions.
In his book, Campbell references an advertisement for the hermit position, lasting seven years, which listed these restrictions: never leaving the site, abstaining from all washing, maintaining silence, and neglecting hair and nails (of both hands and feet).
Furthermore, some landowners added even stricter rules. For instance, some hermits were forbidden from wearing shoes. In some cases, they were even required to entertain party guests by serving wine or reciting personalized poems.
Beyond Whimsy: Unveiling the Deeper Meaning of Garden Hermits
At first glance, the idea of a hermit wandering through a garden might seem lighthearted and playful. However, during the Georgian era (1714-1837), the prevailing mood was far more serious and introspective.
Therefore, somberness and reflection were core values among the elite, and they expected their garden hermits to embody these qualities as well.
Campbell explains in his book that ornamental hermits were “a representation of the aspiration to the simple life, the life of rural retirement characterized by philosophical and scientific curiosity.”
Father Francis: The Most Famous Hermit
One of England’s most famous garden hermits was known as Father Francis. He resided at Hawkstone, the Shropshire estate of diplomat Sir Richard Hill, and was frequently visited by tourists who traveled far and wide to meet him.
A 1784 guide to the Hawkstone estate describes its resident hermit as typically found in a “sitting posture” at a table, upon which sat “a skull, the emblem of mortality, an hourglass, a book, and a pair of spectacles.”
When Francis was asleep or otherwise indisposed, a stuffed automaton dressed like a druid took his place.
Interestingly, some estates similarly employed mannequins or effigies on their grounds to represent garden hermits. These figures would mimic Francis’ setup, even leaving eyeglasses and open books in their “homes,” suggesting the hermit had momentarily stepped away and would soon return.
The End of the Garden Hermit Era
Interestingly, toward the end of the 18th century, ornamental hermits began to wane in popularity. Many of their hermitages were subsequently destroyed or abandoned.
In his book, Campbell argues that the live garden hermits didn’t vanish entirely, even though they were no longer fashionable. Instead, they were gradually replaced by the garden gnome statues that we associate with gardens today.